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Accessible Fitness, more choices for more people

Fitness has always been a concern with regard to both mental and physical health regardless of age, gender, or any other variables that make each one of us unique. And for those in the blind community, fitness is every bit as much—if not more—important.

Exercise for the visually impaired is something that should be incorporated into a weekly, if not daily, routine for a variety of reasons that are both similar and different from people within the sighted community. For those with total loss of sight as well as for those who are low sighted, a lack of regular exercise can bring on a host of other issues, including weight gain, sluggishness, and perhaps worst of all for many, insomnia or a circadian rhythm that has been thrown completely off track.

A quality workout done at the right time of day and at the right pace to meet your unique physical and mental needs is just what the doctor may have forgotten to order. For many blind people, fitness has been a challenge: without someone to guide you and without the ability to drive yourself to the gym, it becomes obvious why so many visually impaired individuals give up—but with the BlindAlive line of Fitness Workouts for blind people, you’ll never have to depend on anyone else again.

Yoga and Strength Training with wieghts for blind people along with a variety of other cardiovascular exercises help our bodies stay toned, help us gain muscle mass and lose weight, but most of all, can help lead a blind person away from a sense of helplessness.

Are you ready to sweat? Come get healthy and leave all your notions of not being able to get fit due to your visual impairment behind with BlindAlive!

Perfect Rebounder

February 11, 2018  /  Mel Scott

Rebounding has finally come into my life. Years ago I got a rebounder or mini tramp for $5 at a yard sale. I thought it would be fun for the kids and me too. It was one of those metal spring ones that squeaked loudly with every bounce. I tried oiling it but the noise drove me crazy, so I quickly gave it up.

Recently, I was talking with a new friend and somehow we got on the subject of rebounders. I told him how much the noise bothered me, and that I was experiencing some  balance and joint challenges. It turns out that he teaches rebounding and he invited me to his house to try one out for myself. He was confident that my fears would be resolved. He was right.

My husband and I arrived at his house where he had a big room set up with different rebounders. He took me to one that was larger and had balance bars attached. I felt completely secure and the best thing of all was that it was virtually silent.

When I stepped up and began gently bouncing, I began to laugh like a kid. My joints felt just fine. He took me through several different moves while standing up. Then, because of my curious nature, I sat down and began bouncing with my arms creating the motion. It was a complete body workout. Naturally, I couldn’t stop there, so I laid down on my back with my feet up in the air and began experimenting-from that position. What fun!

This brand of rebounder is Bellicon®. https://www.bellicon.com/us_en

I am going to get one for my birthday. My plan is to put it near the kitchen and living room so I can hop on while things are going on around me. Also, my Amazon Echo is there so I can play good bouncing music.

This rebounder is not cheap. It is an investment like a good treadmill or stationary bike. The beauty of the rebounder is that it is weight-bearing like a treadmill but not at all jarring on the joints. In my research, I discovered that rebounding is great for weight-loss, muscle building, balance, and coordination. This particular brand uses bungie cords instead of springs. There are different sizes and strengths which allows for larger or smaller people. It is also collapsible and can be propped against a wall to get it out of the way. I am excited! Can you tell?

My plan is to play with it a while, then I will get back to you in a few weeks. i will be sure to talk about it in an upcoming podcast.

You can also follow this story on FaceBook. we will also be talking about it on our e-mail listserv.

Good health to you,
Mel

 

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